The budget released by President Trump on February 12 echoed similar priorities to the FY 2018 budget. His administration continues to promote cost-cutting at federal agencies, proposing a 25 percent cut to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a 15 percent cut at the Department of the Interior — with the U.S. Geological Survey bearing 20 percent. In addition, the rural economic development program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture was proposed to be eliminated, and the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office would also face large cuts.

Like last year’s proposal, despite massive cuts at the EPA, NGWA priority programs such as Superfund and the state revolving funds would be preserved. Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure would see an increase of $324 million, if the president’s budget was enacted.

As a reminder, the president’s budget is more of a messaging document than a policy document. The document outlines the priorities of the administration, but it is up to Congress to determine funding levels for each program in the budget.

Author Controls

2/15/2018
Yes
The Association will be urging support for many of the programs outlined by the administration for cuts at the upcoming 2018 NGWA Groundwater Fly-In and Water Resources Congressional Summit.